Yes, it’s winter and maybe an icy cold smoothie doesn’t sound the least bit appealing right now, but wait, hear me out.
On December the 10th, as part of my plan to have a healthy happy holiday, I started drinking 1 (sometimes 2) smoothies a day simply as a way to make sure I was getting a healthy dose of nutrients and vitamins during the busy holiday season and to kind of balance out the somewhat healthy holiday meals I was enjoying. It worked out better than expected.
So much so that I decided to continue enjoying a green protein smoothie-a-day for 30 days as an experiment. I wanted to test the benefits.
The unexpected benefits rocked my world!
- Even energy throughout the day and that meant no afternoon slump.
- Improved skin appearance. Honestly, there is a healthy glow on my face that wasn’t there before.
- Unintentional, but healthy weight loss.
- My cravings have changed. That’s not to say I don’t crave chocolate or a salty snack very now and then, but I also crave the sweetness of fruits and the flavors of vegetables.
- The most surprising and the most wonderful benefit, no afternoon cravings to snack! Boom! I’ve battled what call the bewitching hours from 4:00 to 6:00 for what feels like forever. During those few hours I always had this overwhelming need to snack that had nothing to do with feeling hungry. I tried everything with little to no success until now.
- Bonus benefit. I love coffee and now I drink it for the rich flavor and because I enjoy it and not for the caffeine. I drink one cup of coffee with caffeine daily. If I want to enjoy another cup it’s decaf. Compare that to the 4-5 with caffeine that I drank before trying a green smoothie-a-day.
So, now, no matter what the season or the weather, a green protein smoothie-a-day (sometimes 2) is now a permanent lifestyle choice!
That’s not all. My husband is now having a green protein smoothie everyday when he gets home from work and my son is actually willing to try them.
Coming up: an awesome recipe that is great for green smoothie beginners and I’m also sharing a peek inside my smoothie bar.
I get a little excited about this stuff!
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Do you drink smoothies during the winter? Have you ever experienced unexpected benefits of making a change in your diet?
I’m eager to try your recipe too. In the past most protein powder makes me a bit nauseous whereas yogurt doesn’t. Is the benefit the greens or the protein? Can you sub something for the protein powder?
I love smoothies, but I must admit, green ones are not my favorite. I may just not have found the perfect recipe yet though, but I’m willing to try!
Yum! Sounds awesome Jill! I love starting the day off with a protein shake packed with baby spinach leaves, so energizing! And like you said it just makes you feel phenomenal! I’d love to see your favorite recipe 🙂
I like the green smoothies as i see it changes my cravings! But i tend to skip having in winter as I love to have smoothies with ice 🙂
I drink smoothies all year around. It never gets too cold for a good smoothie. I feel that protein helps me feel fuller longer. Otherwise I would constantly be on the hunt for snacks. Have a great weekend!
I have a protein smoothie every morning for breakfast or post workout. It is so beneficially, as you’ve said. I always feel good about the extra protein and fruits or veggies I’m getting.
I definitely need to drink more green smoothies! And morning lemon water. I definitely have some things I need to add to my daily nutrition to-dos!
I haven’t tried this but it looks so good and sounds like you got some great benefits! Not sure I can do a cold drink in the winter now, I’ve been FREEZING and relying on coffee and hot water with lemon!
I love taking a smoothie with me to work…even in the winter 🙂
Me too Amy and I make them the night before so it’s super convenient 🙂
I cannot stop drinking SKOOP smoothies this winter. I am always amazed how good my smoothies make me feel. Keep me fuller longer and yes my skin has been fabulous too, despite the yucky winter weather. I am addicted. Happy Weekend friend! XOXO
Wow – so many benefits and great things from drinking your green smoothies!! I’m not a smoothie drinker ever but maybe I should learn to be!
I bet I could make you a smoothie drinker 😉
Being that I am in California and yesterday it was in the 80’s YES smoothies are still a part of my everyday. However when it does get cold I just have a warm shower lined up after the smoothie or a warm cup of tea. (: Love this experiment and all the wonderful outcomes! Happy Weekend, Jill!
Oh Jill, you had me at ‘green.’ bahaha. But wow, I can’t wait to try this experiment too! Though, I definitely need some recipe help and can’t wait to get a peak into your smoothie bar!!! Eagerly anticipating. Happy Friday!
I completely agree with these. I was drinking a lot of green smoothies during December for the Holiday Sweat Challenge. I used to always be a toast person for breakfast. I couldn’t believe how much the smoothie held off my hunger compared to being hungry 2 hours later from my toast. My energy level was also way better. I’m drinking them in all weather now!
Can’t wait for the green smoothie recipe, Jill…those results were awesome. Hubby drinks one every morning and he tried to add kale to one this week and it was an experiment gone terribly wrong. The kid and I will start getting up early starting next week, so we can get one together too before heading to school and work. I am still battling the snacking issue, for be it’s right around 3:30….at least they are now “healthier”.
Hi Kellye. The results of my little experiment shocked me.
If all goes as planned I’ll share the recipe on Mon. What kind of kale is your husband using? They’re all a bit different and can make a big difference in the taste and texture of your smoothie. If time is limited in the morning make the smoothies the night before. They keep well stored in the fridge for up to 48 hours. Try having half a green smoothie for an afternoon snack.
I started drinking green smoothies in December, too (when salads started looking completely unappealing), and I’m so hooked. Not only are they delicious and refreshing, but they’re such a great way to get those vitamins and minerals in. Huge, HUGE fan 😀
I love my green smoothies but i think it is harder during the winter when all I want is a cold beverage however once New Years arrives all I crave is roughage and veggies/fruits and the smoothies make an act of appearance. It has to do with convenience for me. Not a lot of thinking and very portable.
You’re right, my green smoothies disappear in the winter but that’s definitely when I need them the most! Not sure I can commit to a 30day challenge (lots of traveling for work ahead of my this month) but I’m going to try to drink them more when I’m at home!
Healthy smoothies has been a big part of my life but I stopped for a while because . . . well I get a little lazy about cleaning my blender! Ha! But, this is a great reminder to get back to it because it honestly made me feel great and the skin effect you mention is true! Thanks, Jill. Great post!
I’ve never had one — I think they scare me a little bit? But your list of benefits makes me want to face my green smoothie fear 🙂
Is it the green that makes them scary? 🙂 That seems to be the most common comment when I have a green smoothie at work. Face the fear [in my best Yoda voice]!
I love green smoothies too. I have noticed that it definitely changes my cravings when I have them!
totally!! smoothies are more bang for you buck and always hit the spot for cravings. It’s because we get those key nutrients, yes! love!
I’ve kind of fallen off of the smoothies especially in the winter time. May need to pick them up again when it’s warmer.
I’m excited to try your upcoming green smoothie recipe for beginners! What a great way to fit in all of the vitamins and minerals you need PLUS it looks really tasty. Cutting down on daily caffeine alone is a reason to try a green smoothie 🙂 I drink one cup a day now and feel so much better than I used to when I drank two or three. A green smoothie would be a great afternoon craving substitute and maybe, just maybe my toddler would try it, too!
Hi Amy. If all goes as planned I’ll share the recipe on Mon. I saw a video on instagram with a toddler sitting in a high chair drinking his mom’s green smoothie. Cutest thing ever!
I do like my green smoothies! However, I’ve fallen off the smoothie bandwagon just because I felt like it lead me to eating more. I need a little chew to my slurp!
Haha I missed the chew at first so I ate my smoothies with a spoon. Now just loving the slurp!
Good morning! I typically eat about every 4 hours, I am always hungry. I appreciate your note to trying adding the Skoop in the morning with a boiled egg and toast. When do you drink your shake? First thing or more of the mid morning? I ready to start- 1 week to the half and then one week later, surgery I want to be ready! 🙂
Hi Mary Beth. I always have a green protein smoothie for breakfast around 7-8 after my workout. Occasionally I will add a boiled egg or a handful of raw unsalted nuts but usually just a smoothie. I might also have a smoothie for lunch.
You WILL be ready!
I love green smoothies! I do actually feel great and have a ton of energy on the days I drink them, which isn’t every day. But with the SUPER cold weather this week I have only been craving hot hot foods! I’m hoping it warms up a but so I can start my smoothies again 🙂